Mission Statement
The External Cleaning Industry Association was formed to represent contractors in the External Cleaning Industry whose livelihoods were threatened by the introduction of level 5 water restrictions in 2007.
Its role is to provide support, training and accreditation to its members in an efficient and professional manner.
The Association does this to ensure the Industry’s future economic viability.
ECIA History
The ECIA was formed in response to the Queensland Water Commission’s release of repressive Draft Level 5 water restrictions during the first week in March 2007, which allowed town water use for: -
- Residential – Cleaning a house for pre-paints
- Commercial – Cleaning a building for reasons of Health & Safety
Contractors principally engaged in cleaning building exteriors wasted no time in conducting a series of meetings in their “Office” situated at Crosby Park Albion, at the instigation of external cleaner Sean White from KLEAR AS A BELL.
The QWC proposals threatened their livelihoods and some, involved in the Industry for up to three decades, were not prepared to be scapegoats for what was perceived as Government ineptitude in failing to adequately provide the necessary infrastructure for the rapidly expanding South-East corner of the State.
At their inaugural meeting on 14 March those assembled elected two representatives, Sean White and Kevin Halpin to follow up on QWC Chair, Elizabeth Nosworthy’s radio talkback invitation to Kevin to come and discuss Industry concerns.
The meeting was cordial and whilst not entirely dismissive of the arguments advanced, was not very encouraging. Both parties saw benefit in adopting a more formal approach to future negotiations.
As a result, legal advice was sought on the best tactic to employ. The advice received recommended establishment of a Company (rather than a traditional old style Association), to gain the best advantage from dealing with the Water Commission. That advice cited recent trends away from the latter for reasons of both expediency and practicality (principally it enabled tough on-the spot decisions to be made during negotiations) It was openly debated among the membership at a feedback meeting on St Patrick’s Day and the proposal was adopted unanimously.
From then on negotiations progressed smoothly and although some concessions had to be made along the way, the Commission and the ECIA produced a set of Best Practice Guidelines which will allow the Industry to continue virtually unimpeded, on the proviso that all businesses must: -
- Complete an “Association” Training Program”
- Be registered with Commerce Queensland
- Display “Association” approved signs on each business vehicle
- On request, be able to provide an industry-approved certification card
